Page 22 of Sideline Sweetheart (Greenville Generals #4)
Chapter Twenty-Two
Mackenzie
The next morning, while I got ready to go to the hospital with Coach Blakely, Bryce went up to the room he was designated to share with Clayton and packed his things. It made sense for us to deliver his bag to him, since he would be staying in the hospital a few days after the team returned home.
Other than our conversation with team owner, both Coach Blakely and I were quiet on the drive to the hospital, neither of us knowing what to expect when we walk into Clayton’s room.
When we reach his room, Coach knocks on the open door announcing our arrival.
Three sets of eyes greet us along with a slow smile from Clayton.
“Damn Coach, I expected you an hour ago. Don’t tell me jetlag is catching up with your old ass.”
Coach Blakely chuckles as he grips his player’s hand and gives him an awkward hug. “Thought you might need a little more beauty rest, but I see it didn’t work.”
Clayton howls with laughter at his coach’s dig, and relief fills me. “Doc,” he says acknowledging me at the foot of the bed. “I can’t thank you enough.”
I shake my head at his praise. “I didn’t do much, you handled the hardest part.”
Clayton shifts on the bed. “I disagree. I was about to slip into a full-blown panic attack laying on the field and you managed to keep me calm and convey what happened to not only the medical staff but my family.”
I smile, uncomfortable with having the attention on me. “All part of my job.”
“Part of the job or not,” Josiah says. “It was greatly appreciated.”
I smile softly acknowledging his praise. “I’m glad my being here helped.” I glance back at Clayton, trying desperately to refocus the attention back on him. “Has the doctor been in today?”
Clayton conveys to us what the doctor said about his surgery and recovery time.
Once he’s finished, Coach Blakely presents the plan we discussed on the way to the hospital.
Rather than return with the team, arrangements have been made for me to stay in Colorado Springs to keep an eye on Clayton’s care.
Once he’s released from the hospital, hopefully midweek, the team will send the plane for us to return to Greenville.
We finish our visit and head back to the hotel. As promised, I send a text to Bryce and let him know we’re on our way so he can let his parents know. I put my phone away and Coach Blakely glances my way. “I appreciate you staying to keep an eye on CJ.”
“Honestly Coach, I feel a responsibility to all the players, so staying, puts my mind at ease as well.”
He nods, eyes remaining on the road. “You’re a good addition to our organization Dr. Flynn.”
I glance over at him and smile. “Thank you, Coach. Working for the Generals is a dream come true.”
When we reach the hotel, we leave the car with the valet and step inside the lobby. We make our way to the elevator and as the doors slide open, Bryce steps out.
“Hey,” he says immediately going to my side and wrapping an arm around my waist. “I figured you should be here in the next few minutes, so I thought I’d save you the trip up.”
I smile up at him. “I’m glad you did.”
Bryce turns his attention to Coach Blakely. “How’s CJ doing?”
“Still a smartass,” Coach Blakely replies as he steps inside the elevator.
Bryce laughs. “Glad to hear it.”
“I need to make a few calls,” Coach Blakely says. “I’ll talk to you two later. Bus leaves at two, don’t be late Coban.”
“Yes, sir,” he says as the doors close. “He’s such a ball of sunshine,” Bryce says making me laugh before he drops a kiss on my lips.
With his arm still around me, we walk to the seating area. “Are your parents waiting for us?”
“No, I told them I text them when you arrived.”
“Good, I need to talk to you about something.” I say as I take a seat on one of the sofas.
Bryce sits beside me, and I turn to face him. “Is everything okay?”
“Yeah, everything is fine. Coach Blakely and I had a conversation with Mr. Woodruff on the way to the hospital. They’ve asked me to stay in Colorado Springs until Clayton is released, then they’ll send the plane for us, so he doesn’t have to fly back commercial.”
Bryce sighs. “I don’t like the thought of you being here by yourself, but it makes sense for you to stay. I can extend my parents stay, if you’d like.”
A warmth fills my chest at his concern. “I appreciate the offer, but I’m sure I’ll be fine.”
He sighs. “Okay, but if you change your mind, let me know.”
“I will. Now, text your parents, I’m starving.”
As Bryce boards the bus to head to the airport with the rest of the team, I stand on the sidewalk with his parents. Their flight home is scheduled for the next day, and they insist we have meals together until they head home as well. I agree as long as they allow me to drive them to the airport.
I pull the car along the curb of the departure area and exit the vehicle. While Bryce’s dad retrieves their luggage from the trunk, his mom pulls me into a tight hug and holds on to my arms as she draws back. “Are you sure you don’t want us to stay with you?”
Their concern touches me, and I give her a soft smile. “I’m sure but thank you for offering. Bryce said he will let me know when you get home, but you have my number, feel free to use it.”
Mr. Coban chuckles. “You better mean that young lady, because I can already see her drafting a text in her head.” Mrs. Coban lightly swats her husband’s arm as I laugh.
Mr. Coban kisses the top of his wife’s head and grins and I’s struck by how similar his smile is to his son’s.
My heart flutters and suddenly I’m missing Bryce more than I expected.
Mrs. Coban gives me one more hug before stepping back to her husband’s side. “It was such a pleasure to meet you, Mackenzie. I hope we see much more of you.”
“I hope so too,” I say sincerely. I watch until they disappear into the airport, then I get in my car and head to the hospital to check on Clayton.
“Doc, what took you so long?” Clayton asks when I walk into his hospital room Thursday before noon.
My jaw drops in mock surprise as I turn to address Clayton’s brother Josiah and his wife Avery. “Can you believe this guy? I’ve been on the phone all morning making sure he travels comfortably, and this is the welcome I get?”
Josiah’s eyes sparkle with mirth as I give his brother a hard time. “He was raised better than that Doc,” Josiah says while Avery laughs as I continue to give Clayton a hard time.
“I’m sure he was. I mean all I was trying to do was give you all some additional family time, and this is the thanks I get
“Oh man,” Clayton said scrubbing a hand over his face. “This is going to be a long flight, isn’t it?”
“It could very well be,” his brother agrees.
I can’t help but laugh as I stand at the end of the bed.
“Seriously though, I spoke with Coach Blakely and Mr. Woodruff this morning. They said the plane is on its way and should arrive around noon. Transport has been scheduled and will pick us up at one o’clock to take us to the airport.
I spoke with the hospitalist before I came in, and she assured me your discharge paperwork was being processed, so we should be wheels up and headed home by three. ”
“Sounds good,” Clayton said. “Thanks Doc, I appreciate everything you’ve done for me this week.”
I pat his good leg and smile. “All part of the job.”
Avery tilts her head as she studies me. “You say it’s part of the job, but I disagree. You’re a naturally caring person and it shows.”
“Thank you, Avery, being a doctor was all I ever wanted.” I turn my attention back to Clayton. “I’m going to check on your paperwork.”